Other Teams Always Seem To Make Cap Room

[ravensfan160]

Is it just me or does it seem like no matter how much other teams spend they are always in the running for the big free agents? Just look at Dallas and the Jets. Dallas is nothing but big star power and yet they are somehow in the running for Ray Ray. Same with the Jets. They went on a massive spending spree last year and if Favre hadn't retired they'd me well over the cap at this point. Even with that they should only have around 10 million or so cap space. How is it all these teams are still able to shop around while us with over $20 million of cap space are resigned to letting guys go?

To partially answer my own question, I realize it depends on the free agent status of their own players. We happen to have a lot this year thats why $20 million isn't enough. But then the question becomes why did we allow 4 big time free agents to become free agents (Lewis, Scott, Suggs, Brown)?

Thoughts anyone?

[johnnyb]

i don't think dallas really is in the running at all to land ray or anyone else. i read the other day that they only have 10 mil in cap space and they're still trying to lock up Ware to a long term deal. in my opinion its all about cutting players and restructuring that allows for some teams to consistently go after big free agents. if we didn't cut c-mac we would be screwed in signing our free agents, which we have a ton of.

[darklight1216]

It's possible that the rumors of Dallas's cap space is greatly exaggerated. I'm betting they really don't stand a chance of getting Ray if his demands are as high as we suspect, and the Jets, well they've been doing alot of cleaning house so I can believe that they have space left. Also there is that possibility that maybe some teams aren't being truthful, I'm not sure how it all works.

[theFRANCHISE]

Other teams don't have the core group of players (especially on defense) that the Ravens have, though.

As someone else stated above, a lot of this cap room is created by cutting players and restructuring contracts on a regular basis. However, those same teams that always seem to have a lot of cap room, are teams that don't consistently win playoff games.

I don't remember the last time the Cowboys have won a playoff game, save for their dynasty in the early-'90s. The Lions always have cap room for obvious reasons. The Redskins never have cap room because they overspend. The Raiders create cap room by offering ridiculously-structured (but obscenely-valued) contracts. The Patriots always have cap room because they're frugal with their contracts. And so on and so forth.

The Ravens seemingly have cap issues every year, but then they always manage to fix that every offseason with only one or two cost-cutting moves. I don't mind having cap issues every year, however, if it means retaining the strong core that this team has built time and again (and now, on both sides of the ball, for once.)

[darklight1216]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='157117' date='Feb 24 2009, 09:51 AM']Other teams don't have the core group of players (especially on defense) that the Ravens have, though.

As someone else stated above, a lot of this cap room is created by cutting players and restructuring contracts on a regular basis. However, those same teams that always seem to have a lot of cap room, are teams that don't consistently win playoff games.

I don't remember the last time the Cowboys have won a playoff game, save for their dynasty in the early-'90s. The Lions always have cap room for obvious reasons. The Redskins never have cap room because they overspend. The Raiders create cap room by offering ridiculously-structured (but obscenely-valued) contracts. The Patriots always have cap room because they're frugal with their contracts. And so on and so forth.

The Ravens seemingly have cap issues every year, but then they always manage to fix that every offseason with only one or two cost-cutting moves. I don't mind having cap issues every year, however, if it means retaining the strong core that this team has built time and again (and now, on both sides of the ball, for once.)[/quote]

Well said. To answer your question: the Cowboys haven't won a playoff game in fourteen years.

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='johnnyb' post='157108' date='Feb 24 2009, 10:11 AM']i don't think dallas really is in the running at all to land ray or anyone else. i read the other day that they only have 10 mil in cap space and they're still trying to lock up Ware to a long term deal. in my opinion its all about cutting players and restructuring that allows for some teams to consistently go after big free agents. if we didn't cut c-mac we would be screwed in signing our free agents, which we have a ton of.[/quote]


I agree, I think the whole Ray to Dallas thing is blown way out of proportion. The only way Dallas can make cap space for Ray is if they release T.O and I don't think that's going to happen. I think there's more of a chance that Ray goe's to NY then to Texas.

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='darklight1216' post='157120' date='Feb 24 2009, 11:03 AM']Well said. To answer your question: the Cowboys haven't won a playoff game in fourteen years.[/quote]


And this speaks for itself, It's not like they haven't made it to the playoffs. Just that they haven't been able to win one. Tony Romo is NOT a leader. And Dallas hasen't had a winning December/Jan. season in years.

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='157117' date='Feb 24 2009, 09:51 AM']Other teams don't have the core group of players (especially on defense) that the Ravens have, though.

As someone else stated above, a lot of this cap room is created by cutting players and restructuring contracts on a regular basis. However, those same teams that always seem to have a lot of cap room, are teams that don't consistently win playoff games.

I don't remember the last time the Cowboys have won a playoff game, save for their dynasty in the early-'90s. The Lions always have cap room for obvious reasons. The Redskins never have cap room because they overspend. The Raiders create cap room by offering ridiculously-structured (but obscenely-valued) contracts. The Patriots always have cap room because they're frugal with their contracts. And so on and so forth.

The Ravens seemingly have cap issues every year, but then they always manage to fix that every offseason with only one or two cost-cutting moves. I don't mind having cap issues every year, however, if it means retaining the strong core that this team has built time and again (and now, on both sides of the ball, for once.)[/quote]
But then you have teams like New England and Indianapolis who continue to win year after year. I guess those teams are different though because they have elite QB and they can make up for a lot of deficiencies elswhere caused by cap cutting moves. Hopefully we will be in that position in a couple years where Joe can help cover up a lot of weak spots on the team by himself. Thats why we seem to be great one year then struggle the next. We didn't have solid QB play but now we do.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='ravensfan160' post='157124' date='Feb 24 2009, 10:08 AM']But then you have teams like New England and Indianapolis who continue to win year after year. I guess those teams are different though because they have elite QB and they can make up for a lot of deficiencies elswhere caused by cap cutting moves.[/quote]
Like I said, the Patriots are different because they're frugal with their contracts and everyone (outside of a few key players) is expendable to them. The Colts are similar.

[Mishel]

[quote name='ravensgirlx88' post='157122' date='Feb 24 2009, 10:05 AM']And this speaks for itself, It's not like they haven't made it to the playoffs. Just that they haven't been able to win one. Tony Romo is NOT a leader. And Dallas hasen't had a winning December/Jan. season in years.[/quote]

Dallas' problem isn't talent...its the lack of leadership. which is why espn and all the media seem to think Ray is the answer. To me you can't walk onto a team and automatically be a leader, which is what people are thinking is going to happen if Ray goes there.

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='Mishel' post='157213' date='Feb 24 2009, 04:49 PM']Dallas' problem isn't talent...its the lack of leadership. which is why espn and all the media seem to think Ray is the answer. To me you can't walk onto a team and automatically be a leader, which is what people are thinking is going to happen if Ray goes there.[/quote]

Leadership should start at the top and work it's way down. If the Cowboy's do not have leadership that is coaching issue. It is crazy to think that Ray Lewis will take over the locker room of the Cowboy's and bring order to the circus. So what Ray is going to show up for training camp and everyone is just going to fall in line. Ahhhhhhhh Nooooo!

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='Marc2k6' post='157219' date='Feb 24 2009, 06:05 PM']Leadership should start at the top and work it's way down. If the Cowboy's do not have leadership that is coaching issue. It is crazy to think that Ray Lewis will take over the locker room of the Cowboy's and bring order to the circus. So what Ray is going to show up for training camp and everyone is just going to fall in line. Ahhhhhhhh Nooooo![/quote]


Ray is plain crazy if he thinks he can own that locker room like he owns ours. I think Ray is trying to get the business aspect of the NFL because he has a family, but I feel that deep down Ray knows where his heart and loyalty is. If he leaves I can promise you his heart will remian here.

[RedFire]

there's no limit to signing bonuses....jerry jones blood type is money.

[52Kia Kaha92]

well once we cut walker, rolle and Douglas well have about 13 mil, we could cut anderson or Terry, one of the two, we could make cuts or ask for players like mason, Clayton, Heap, Anderson, Pryce, Johnson to restructure for the sake of the team

[YABOY]

hopefully we sign ray & jason brown go ray-vens

[YABOY]

hopefully we sign ray & jason brown go ray-vens

[YABOY]

hopefully we sign ray & jason brown go ray-vens

[YABOY]

[quote name='YABOY' post='157317' date='Feb 24 2009, 10:09 PM']hopefully we sign ray & jason brown go ray-vens[/quote]
my fault for posting this so many times my computer was acting slow

[Canes21]

the patriots have had to let go of some key players like vinatieri, deon branch and asante samuel. but like others have said they are cheap with their contracts. it also helps that guys like tom brady give the team a break and doesnt ask for the huge contract to help the team out. something ray lewis should do at this point in his career.

[BaltimoreBulldog]

When is the last time the 2 teams you mentions (Cowboys and Jets) won a play off game?


Enough said, you dont build Superbowl teams through free agency, you do it through the draft.

[McBoller]

[quote name='Canes21' post='157321' date='Feb 24 2009, 09:27 PM']the patriots have had to let go of some key players like vinatieri, deon branch and asante samuel. but like others have said they are cheap with their contracts. it also helps that guys like tom brady give the team a break and doesnt ask for the huge contract to help the team out. something ray lewis should do at this point in his career.[/quote]
werd...I know this sounds crazy, but if all the "Id love to wear that star on my helmet" crap is true. Anyone think it might be possible Ray is willing to give the Boys a discount, and at the same time expect "his city" to shell out the highest dough to retain him.

[mhead66]

[quote name='BaltimoreBulldog' post='157582' date='Feb 25 2009, 04:04 PM']When is the last time the 2 teams you mentions (Cowboys and Jets) won a play off game?


Enough said, you dont build Superbowl teams through free agency, you do it through the draft.[/quote]

100% Agreed.

[darklight1216]

You know I wonder why more players don't do what the Patriots do and play for a cheaper price. If you know that your team has say an excellent defense, and just suppose hypothetically, they still need to build a more aggressive offense... wouldn't it be in [i]your[/i] best interest to take a pay cut so you can hire more offensive players and actually, you know make it to the Superbowl?

[mhead66]

[quote name='darklight1216' post='157780' date='Feb 25 2009, 10:04 PM']You know I wonder why more players don't do what the Patriots do and play for a cheaper price. If you know that your team has say an excellent defense, and just suppose hypothetically, they still need to build a more aggressive offense... wouldn't it be in [i]your[/i] best interest to take a pay cut so you can hire more offensive players and actually, you know make it to the Superbowl?[/quote]

It is money over team success.

Brady & Peyton took less money, but it was just deferred - they will get it eventually. It really is a business, however entertaining.

[bauer77]

[quote name='mhead66' post='157782' date='Feb 25 2009, 10:13 PM']It is money over team success.

Brady & Peyton took less money, but it was just deferred - they will get it eventually. It really is a business, however entertaining.[/quote]


Exactly! and thats what most if not all of the players play for money cause its their job no matter how u wanna look at it